Arsenal midfielder questioned the officials after the Gunners’ controversial Champions League draw with Atletico Madrid and he could potentially face serious consequences
UEFA are set to investigate Declan Rice's comments after Arsenal’s draw with Atletico Madrid - and could hit him with a ban. The England midfielder spoke out after the Gunners’ controversial 1-1 stalemate in Madrid.
Referee Danny Makkelie pointed to the spot on three occasions during the game. Arsenal won a penalty for David Hancko’s foul on Viktor Gyokeres, with Atleti also handed their own for Ben White’s handball.
The visitors thought they had won a second after Eberechi Eze was fouled but the referee changed his decision after watching 13 replays. Speaking after the game, Rice claimed that home supporters had convinced the official to reverse his original call.
He said: "UEFA (Champions League) is totally different, I think. In both boxes you have to be so careful because they give absolutely everything.
"The second one, Ebs' one, it's a clear penalty. I don't know how that's not been given. I think the fans provoked the decision and changed the ref's mind. But it doesn't matter, we move on to next week and we want to beat them at home."
Those comments could potentially come back to bite him. According to The Times, UEFA will take a look at the referee’s report before determining whether Rice’s outburst questioned the official’s integrity.
It remains to be seen how long that process would take but a ban has not been ruled out. Rice was previously banned for two games during his time with West Ham after he accused a referee of being corrupt but that process took around five weeks.
Rice continued to give his thoughts on the controversial decisions that met Arsenal in the Spanish capital, including White’s alleged handball. He added: "I've not seen it back yet. At first glance I thought that maybe if it's in the Premier League it doesn't get given because it's so low to the ground.
"The ball's not going on target. But then UEFA (matches) are totally different rules...hands away from the body. I think with UEFA they give it but Premier League, I'm not so sure.
"It's just the way it's operated, I think. I feel like they penalise you more in European competitions.
"I've felt that since I played in the Champions League three years ago. Referees are really quick to make decisions, to blow their whistle. You can't do much about it. You've just got to watch out and be careful."
The Gunners take on Fulham in the Premier League this weekend ahead of the second-leg against Atletico at the Emirates Stadium.
kisacilstu
0
No punishment because it's a clean penalty ref is right before fans proved him and fear bcz ATM is at home
mozciklnos
1
corruption people hate that's why
teneiklmuy
0
UEFA is the most corrupted organization in the world. UEFA is abusing the soccer fans . They suppose to punish that notorious referee and those nonsense VAR officials but the are corrupted .
Wuwbcinpz
2
what's wrong in what he's said
resabekpst
1
Ban him tomorrow. We're ready for Tuesday
Grow up and read what he has stated.
resabekpst
3
I personally find this situation laughable. Declan has been honest, he has not offended any individual, the referee buckled under Simeone standing behind him and pointing to the monitor whilst shouting at him. The ref should have sent Simeone off and yellow carded every player who surrounded him complaining except for their captain. Simeone basically refereed that game. He regularly does it.
resabekpst
1
Is that what he said? Rice is complaining about his second penalty on Eze that was over turned, you're here saying different thing na wa ooh for you. Haters everywhere
True mate, Arteta has got to be banned also with numerous others. Someone should have been red carded for standing behind the ref and pointing to the monitor.
resabekpst
2
Rice should face a heavy fine and ban for 3 games.
Get a life he’s being honest with his comment. You are just envious of Arsenal.
Gun1
1
Ban him tomorrow. We're ready for Tuesday
Retabcden
2
Rice should face a heavy fine and ban for 3 games.
foolish human being. Ban for saying d fact
layackmpu
1
he said I think and it doesn't matter ""which means that was not the reason we drew the game ,he didn't accuse anyone,u can tell the fans were doing some crazy staffs
Vipelmnstu
3
Rice should face a heavy fine and ban for 3 games.
ban him for what?
Luabcdnyz
1
nothing will is just a noise from the supporters
Tebbceopst
0
Rice should face a heavy fine and ban for 3 games.
Pooekoz
4
Nothing will happen to Rice . These comments don’t warrant any punishment. We all saw how noisy the home supporters were so if he says this, big deal?
سردارایوب۔اکاخیل
0
Rules Are Rules
metbdosyz
2
I think Declan Rice was red carded for fouling Julian Alvarez and he opened his mouth himself now; it's time for UEFA displinery body do their job
metbdosyz
0
he is nationality is the problem
Raeeipruz
1
They award your team a penalty, you enjoy it, no problem but when they award the opposite team a penalty, it becomes a problem. is that football ?
pls read and comprehend before making comments, this is his views, so he should support the opposite team because he didnot come to win. Nawa for una ooo
Hobaiopt
3
Is that what he said? Rice is complaining about his second penalty on Eze that was over turned, you're here saying different thing na wa ooh for you. Haters everywhere
Vehbcmnryz
3
They award your team a penalty, you enjoy it, no problem but when they award the opposite team a penalty, it becomes a problem. is that football ?